Mold-Related Services Licensing Program
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation is responsible for licensing and regulating mold assessors and mold remediators. The Department’s Bureau of Central Intake and Licensure processes applications for licensure and refers complex applications to the mold-related services licensing office for final review. The Division of Regulation is responsible for complaint analysis and investigations, and the Office of the General Counsel provides prosecutorial services for disciplinary cases. The Department engages in rulemaking to implement the provisions set forth in its statutes and conducts other general business, as necessary.
Important Information (Hot Topics)
Continuing Education Requirements reduced for Activation of an Inactive License
HB 517 was approved by Governor Rick Scott on April 6, 2012 and reduces the continuing education required to activate an inactive license. You now only have to complete one renewal cycle of continuing education instead of completing continuing education for all the renewal cycles your license was in an inactive status. Applicants will need to provide proof of completing the continuing education requirements in effect at the last renewal date immediately prior to their application. Those requirements are included in Chapter 61-31.504, F.A.C.:
61-31.504 Continuing Education Requirements for Biennial Renewal
(1) Prior to the expiration of each biennial licensure period, and as a condition for renewal of the mold assessor and/or mold remediator license, each person licensed pursuant to Chapter 468, Part XVI, Florida Statutes, shall complete a minimum of fourteen (14) hours of continuing education which shall include, at a minimum, all of the following subjects as they relate to the practice of mold assessment and/or mold remediation:
(a) A minimum of six (6) hours of instruction regarding water (moisture intrusion),
(b) A minimum of four (4) hours of instruction regarding mold and mold safety, to include respiratory protection,
(c) A minimum of two (2) hours of instruction regarding report writing,
(d) A minimum of two (2) hours of instruction regarding standards of practice.
(2) Continuing education credits may be obtained for the completion of courses or seminars offered by education providers approved by the department. A list of such providers is available from the department at www.myfloridalicense.com/CESearch.asp?SID=&div=07
(a) A licensee, who is an instructor, may obtain continuing education credits in the amount of the credits allowed for that course or seminar for his/her first presentation of such course or seminar.
(b) No licensee may claim credit until after the credit has been earned by that licensee.
(3) Licensees need not comply with continuing education requirements prior to the licensee’s first full renewal cycle.
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Continuing Education Update
It is not necessary for Mold Assessors and Remediators to take any continuing education credits (CE) to renew their licenses for the first renewal cycle. Only CE credits taken after August 1, 2012 will be counted for the 2012 – 2014 renewal cycle.
Enforcement of Unlicensed Activity for Mold Assessors and Mold Remediators will begin July 1, 2011
House Bill 713 delayed unlicensed enforcement of mold assessor and mold remediator licensure until July 1, 2011. This delay allowed initial applicants and those who were already working in the profession the necessary time to complete education, experience and testing necessary to meet the licensure requirements. In addition, this delay helped to identify any unintended consequences of the new legislation and present possible solutions during the 2011 Legislative Session. Starting on July 1, 2011, the full enforcement of mold assessor and mold remediator licensure requirements per Chapter 468, Part XVI, Florida Statutes. This means anyone holding themselves out to be a mold assessor or mold remediator needs to be licensed through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Please review Chapter 468, Part XVI, Florida Statutes for the laws detailing Mold Related Services.
Federal Lead-Based Paint Abatement Program
The United States Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for administering the lead based paint abatement program. Beginning in April 2010, anyone performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. You can visit www.epa.gov/opptintr/lead/pubs/traincert.htm for information on certification requirements and training programs.
Regulating Body
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation is responsible for the oversight of mold-related services. There is no professional board.
License Information
Definition of Occupation and Class Codes
License Categories:
Mold Assessor
Mold Remediator
Applicant Information
Application/Licensure Fees
A breakdown of application and licensure fees is provided with application packets.
Examination Information
The Bureau of Education and Testing is responsible for examination development, administration, review and grades. You can also visit their Examination information for Mold Assessors and Remediators page.
Information for Licensees
Biennial License Renewal Fee
Mold Assessor = $105
Mold Remediator = $105
The fees above include a $5 unlicensed activity fee.
Continuing Education Requirement
14 hours board-approved continuing education is required each biennium prior to the renewal period.
Continuing Education Information
The Bureau of Education and Testing is responsible for the management of continuing education providers and courses. Below are shortcuts to their continuing education pages.
Continuing education main page
Continuing education policy
List of continuing education providers and courses, and hours required
Information for providers / instructors
Reporting requirement for criminal convictions
As of October 1, 2009, Section 455.227(1)(t), Florida Statutes requires all professional licensees to report to the department within 30 days of being convicted or found guilty of, or having plead nolo contendere or guilty to a crime in any jurisdiction. The statute also requires the reporting of any convictions that occurred prior to October 1, 2009. A licensee who fails to report that information may be subject to disciplinary action, including fines, suspension or license revocation. To report this information, complete the criminal self-reporting document and mail it to the department.
Enforcement
The Division of Regulation is responsible for enforcement of professions and related businesses licensed by DBPR under the Division of Professions to ensure that the laws, rules and standards set by the legislature are followed. To file a complaint visit MyFloridaLicense.com.
Links and Resources
None.